December 21, 1936 - December 5, 2021
Life began on December 21st, 1936 for Donald Frederick Beeler. Don was born to Frederick and Violet Beeler in Hamilton, Ontario 10 years after his brother, Fenton. Don had fond memories of growing up in Ontario, fishing with his dad, volunteering at summer camps, having corn boils at the beach, and driving ambulance at Mosport Speedway (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Speedway). Don's first job was bagging groceries at Loblaws at the age of eight. He went on to spend many years working for the Bell Canada, and later got into real estate and selling insurance.
Don's first marriage was to Connie (deceased), and they had Jeff, Diane (Colin, Mackenzie, Curtis and Madelyn), and Leslie (Ben Klompstra, Tori and Kate). Don eventually made his way out west to Vancouver Island. While Don grew up learning about God, he didn't come to know and follow Jesus until he moved out west. Around this time Don met Leslie (Creasy). Don and Leslie got married and settled down in Courtenay where they raised their family of two boys Barry (Sarah, Malachi and Zechariah) and Mark (Kimberley, Rosalie and Scarlett). Don and Leslie were married for 41 years.
Don loved his family. He kept in touch with his kids, grandkids, and other relatives in Ontario by phone, and visited as often as he could. Don enjoyed his 10 grandchildren (and one on the way), and did his best to love on each of them.
Don worked as an insurance adjuster with ICBC in Courtenay for 16 years before his retirement in '96. Don had a lot of love to give. He volunteered as an ambassador for the Comox Valley Airport Commission, and at Northgate Foursquare's Good Samaritan Soup Kitchen for many years.
One of Don's great joys was running Thursday night floor hockey in Cumberland in the 80s and 90s. Don would always enjoy running into different guys that had been a part of the floor hockey club up until the present time.
We are very sad to say goodbye, for now, as Don went home to be with Jesus on December 5th, 2021. Don will be dearly missed, but we are thankful for the time we had with him, as well as the rich legacy he left behind. A memorial will be held in the New Year.
"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." - Psalm 73:26